US5014449A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Shoe sole construction
Assignee: American Sporting Goods Corp
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Filing: 1989-09-22
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Granted: 1991-05-14
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Expires: 2009-09-22
Abstract
Abstract The present invention comprises an intermediate layer for a shoe sole consisting of a hollow shell having convolutions disposed along the periphery thereof. The convolutions are adapted to cushion the foot by compressing when force is applied thereto, and expanding to their original configuration when the force is relieved. An inner filler material may be provided within the shell for added cushioning and resilience.
Inventors
- 👤 Daniel Richard
- 👤 Kenneth Kolman
- 👤 Charles Case
- 👤 Ronald Becker
- 👤 Alex Gross
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 20:14
CPC Classifications
A; A43; A43B; A43B13/00; A43B13/14; A43B13/18; A43B13/187; A43B1/00; A43B1/0018; A43B3/00; A43B3/0036; A43B3/0078; A43B3/0084
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
98 words
A shoe sole construction comprising an intermediate layer for supporting the forces generated by a wearer, said intermediate layer including a hollow outer shell defined by a top surface and a bottom surface connected by an outer periphery; and a plurality of convolutions arranged horizontally along a substantial portion of said outer periphery of said intermediate layer extending from said top surface to said bottom surface in independent vertical columns along said outer periphery of said intermediate layer with a recess formed between adjacent columns, whereby said convolution compress in an accordion-like fashion when force is applied thereto.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
98 words
A shoe sole construction comprising an intermediate layer for supporting the forces generated by a wearer, said intermediate layer including a hollow outer shell defined by a top surface and a bottom surface connected by an outer periphery; and a plurality of convolutions arranged horizontally along a substantial portion of said outer periphery of said intermediate layer extending from said top surface to said bottom surface in independent vertical columns along said outer periphery of said intermediate layer with a recess formed between adjacent columns, whereby said convolution compress in an accordion-like fashion when force is applied thereto.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
A shoe sole construction, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said columns are uniformly arranged along said outer periphery of said intermediate layer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
A shoe sole construction, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said columns are arranged at an angle to a central axis of said intermediate layer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
77 words
A shoe sole construction for a shoe comprising a resilient midsole cradle element, said midsole cradle element including a cavity; and a hollow insert disposed within said cavity; said hollow insert including a plurality of convolutions arranged horizontally along a portion of said insert in independent vertical columns along an outer periphery of said hollow insert with a recess formed between adjacent columns such that said convolutions compress in an accordion-like fashion when force is applied thereto.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
77 words
A shoe sole construction for a shoe comprising a resilient midsole cradle element, said midsole cradle element including a cavity; and a hollow insert disposed within said cavity; said hollow insert including a plurality of convolutions arranged horizontally along a portion of said insert in independent vertical columns along an outer periphery of said hollow insert with a recess formed between adjacent columns such that said convolutions compress in an accordion-like fashion when force is applied thereto.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
A shoe sole, as set forth in claim 4, wherein said insert is disposed in a heel region of said midsole cradle element.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
A shoe sole, as set forth in claim 4, wherein said insert is disposed in a forefoot region of said midsole cradle element.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
A shoe sole, as set forth in claim 4, wherein said midsole cradle element further comprises a second hollow insert disposed in a heel region of said midsole cradle element.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
A shoe sole, as set forth in claim 7, further comprising a filler material disposed within both of said inserts.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
A shoe sole as set forth in claim 4, wherein said cavity is formed in an upper surface of said midsole cradle element.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
A shoe sole, as set forth in claim 4, wherein said cavity is formed in a bottom surface of said midsole cradle element.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-05-13 | 1994-11-12 | 1995-05-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-05-13 | 1998-11-12 | 1999-05-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-05-13 | 2002-11-12 | 2003-05-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |